Volvo RWD 900 Forum

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940 turbo low on power 900

I have a 91 940 turbo that has some performance issues I can't get resolved. The problem is that the engine seems to run well but, the turbo doesn't appear to be making much boost. My turbo boost runs in the center of the gauge during normal driving conditions. I do believe the turbo is O.K. because I can hear it when I first start the engine. I had 2 supposed Volvo techs look at it and neither seemed to want to be bothered with it. Any help would be appreciated








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    940 turbo low on power 900

    All of the hoses are O.K. I am thinking that the waste gate actuator is bad. What I don't know is that when the car is at idle is the waste gate open or closed. The reason that I am asking is that it is extremely hard to move the actuator rod by hand. It seems that the waste gate itself is free but the actuator seems stiff. I can rev the engine and hold onto the rod and it will not move. I may be all wet but I can't find anyting else wrong.








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      940 turbo low on power 900

      It's normal for your turbo not to boost while in neutral/free reving the engine. The engine has to be under load.

      Do you have a means of applying air pressure to the wastegate vacuum/pressure line (only 5-10 lbs)? I could do it with my Motive pressure bleeder. If you have a hand bicycle pump that might work with some addapting.

      The point is that if you can apply this small amount of pressure to the wastegate actuator, you should be able to see/feel it move.

      Good luck. Let us know what you find.

      Jeff Pierce
      --
      '93 945 Turbo ( one kickass family car ! ), '92 Mercedes 190E (my daily driver), '53 Willys-Overland Pickup (my snow-plow truck/conversation piece -- sold to a loving home), '85 Jeep CJ-7 w/ Fisher plow








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    940 turbo low on power 900

    I checked to make sure the wastegate actuator rod was connected and it was. At this point I don't know what else to check. everything is hooked up and appears functional. I might add to my origional post that this change in power occorred over several months.








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      940 turbo low on power 900

      From previous post:

      3) Air intake hoses from turbo outlet to intercooler inlet, and from intercooler outlet to intake manifold. Oil can cause these to deteriorate, creating a leak. The leak allows pressure to bleed off.

      This is a common problem. Oil gets into the air intake hoses downstream of the turbo. (can be a product of bad seals in the turbo and/or crankcase fumes if the Positive Crankcase Ventilation system is plugged). The oil collects and pools in the hoses and deteriorates the rubber -- causing a leak.

      The best way to diagnose this (or rule it out) is to remove the hoses and inspect them for soft spots and leaks. When you have them off, it's good practice to clean them with dishsoap or a mild degreaser. (In fact, this ritual should be considered scheduled maintenance since SOME oil build-up is normal even under ideal conditions. It will ensure that your hoses last a long time.) If you're intimidated by the thought of removing all the intake hoses, then just remove one at a time. Once you do the procedure the first time, you'll realize that it really is very simple.

      Good luck... and post back with what you find. We'll get this figured out!

      Jeff Pierce
      --
      '93 945 Turbo ( one kickass family car ! ), '92 Mercedes 190E (my daily driver), '53 Willys-Overland Pickup (my snow-plow truck/conversation piece -- sold to a loving home), '85 Jeep CJ-7 w/ Fisher plow








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    940 turbo low on power 900

    Check the 700/900 FAQ in the "Features" dropdown menu at the top of this page -- it contains a wealth of knowledge.

    The first places I'd look:
    1) Actuator rod between turbo and wastegate: make sure it hasn't become disconnected.

    2) Vacuum hose from intake manifold to wastegate actuator: make sure it hasn't become disconnected.

    3) Air intake hoses from turbo outlet to intercooler inlet, and from intercooler outlet to intake manifold. Oil can cause these to deteriorate, creating a leak. The leak allows pressure to bleed off.

    Good luck. Post back with what you find.

    Jeff Pierce
    --
    '93 945 Turbo ( one kickass family car ! ), '92 Mercedes 190E (my daily driver), '53 Willys-Overland Pickup (my snow-plow truck/conversation piece -- sold to a loving home), '85 Jeep CJ-7 w/ Fisher plow








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      940 turbo low on power 900

      i pulled the vacuum hose to the actuator and it made no difference. Where is the rod between the turbo and the wastegate? I am not a turbo man so this is new to me. Thanks








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        940 turbo low on power 900

        Bottom sid of the turbo. The rod comes out of a vacuum actutor, and connects to a lever on the wastegate.

        jp
        --
        '93 945 Turbo ( one kickass family car ! ), '92 Mercedes 190E (my daily driver), '53 Willys-Overland Pickup (my snow-plow truck/conversation piece -- sold to a loving home), '85 Jeep CJ-7 w/ Fisher plow







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